Weekend in September

September is here and days are shorter than before. I like this month because the weather is sunny and mild and the countryside starts changing colors. In addition there are many events in and around Florence.

On Saturday I will stay in Florence and go for a walk in the city center. I want to go to Piazza Santissima Annunziata where the Fierucola del Pane will be taking place, a traditional festival of organic bread and products. There will be lots of organic food grown following traditional customs by local farmers. In addition there will be music and activities for children. Then I will go to the Tepidarium at the Horticulture’s Garden in via Bolognese. Inside this large recently restored glasshouse fly hundreds of colorful tropical butterflies. For all September it’s possible to take tea with the butterflies flying around you. The Tepidarium is open every day and from 7.30pm to 10 pm is “happy hour” time. The entrance costs 8.00 euro.

On Sunday I will go to Scarperia in Mugello, where the town organizes a Renaissance Fair in days before the Diotto festival. The city goes back to its Renaissance splendor and is animated by ladies of court and squires, musicians and jesters, as well as fire-eaters. There will be food and hand-crafted products that you can buy using the local coins called “fiorino di Scarperia”. The entrance to the event costs 7.00 euro and will continue until September 8th with the Diotto celebration, when the new Vicar will be nominated. In addition, until September 19th at Palazzo dei Vicari there is a nice exhibit of knives coming from all over the world. Then if I won’t be too tired for dinner I want to go to Borgo San Lorenzo to the Sagra della Ficattola. The Ficattola is a typical fried bread generally filled with ham and fresh cheese that I find extremely delicious!

Tummy of mine, make some space in there for all this bounty! Have a good weekend!

Ah, I was forgetting to remind you: for those who will instead be in other parts of Tuscany this weekend, on Sunday September 5th in Arezzo will be the second edition of the Saracen Joust Tournament in Piazza Grande and in Pienza is the Pecorino Cheese Festival. Near Lucca, if you’re looking to spend a few days in medieval times at a castle, head to Nozzano where starting today and all through the weekend the village transforms during its Medieval fair.